As surfers, we all understand the importance of protecting our skin against that unrelenting fireball in the sky called the sun. Not only do you need to apply the right sunscreen to protect your skin, but also you need to, as a surfer, think about one that won't run in your eyes, that will last in the water for a whole surf session, and endure all the elements thrown at it. Octisalate Slightly less of a bad guy. Octisalate has still been linked to skin allergies and may have affects on the endocrine system (hormones again!!) Since surfing means you are exposed to the sun for long periods, and the sea will batter your body, what should you look out for in a sunscreen? The downside to this sunscreen is that you need to apply it 15 minutes before exposure to the sun and reapply after 80 minutes if you are in the water.

Getting sunburn is a sure sign that you have suffered skin damage, and your risk of developing skin cancer will significantly increase. Sun Bum is an authentic surfer brand that started in Florida as a small company that produced sunscreen for their friends and family. They now have another base in California. They are committed to living the surf life while safeguarding skin from the sun and protecting the planet.

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I recently had the chance to test a new eco-friendly product on the market called SETT. Created by surfer James Marshall, it was designed for surfers, but also for everyone else, including children and folks with sensitive skin, it is chemical free and dermatologically tested.

Aloha Care is a company created to produce sunscreen products for water enthusiasts that are highly sustainable and are safe for the environment. They’re sometimes referred to as a physical sunscreens and work by absorbing and then deflecting or scattering the UV radiation, as well as absorbing the UV light and releasing it as heat. 1 While it is vegan and not tested on animals, this chemical sunscreen does not claim to be reef friendly. NIVEA SUN Kids Swim mineral UV filters (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide), no chemicals, so SETT won’t harm ocean life like chemical sunscreen does. Water-resistant – obviously. We’re launching a new SPF50 formulation this year, which is very water-resistant and rubs in super well. It’ll be launched in the US first, then here in the UK and then the EU. It’ll be available in 100ml pouches to start. SETT is a company first developed by a surfer following a bout of surf rash in 2016. He created a cream to combat the condition, and a natural mineral sunscreen followed this. The company has since grown into an established brand that produces a whole range of natural products.

The SETT Story

Three friends founded Suntribe with love for both nature and outdoor pursuits. Their mission is to contribute to change within the sunscreen industry. They produce natural sunscreens which are 100% free from synthetic ingredients.

Aqua, zinc oxide (non-nano), glycine max (soybean) oil, titanium di-oxide (non-nano), hydroxy ethyl cellulose (cellulose gum), xanthan gum, glycerol mono stearate, barium sulphate, cetearyl alcohol, glycerin, petroleum jelly, sustainable elaeis guineensis (palm) oil, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, cucumber potpourri, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) oil, argania spinosa (argan) oil, matricaria discoidea (blue chamomile) oil, aloe vera extract, ascorbic acid (vitamin c), retinyl palmitate (vitamin a), tocopherol acetate (vitamin e). SETT Skin Rash Cream Aqua, zinc oxide (non-nano), glycine max (soybean) oil, titanium di-oxide (non-nano), hydroxy ethyl cellulose (cellulose gum), xanthan gum, glycerol mono stearate, barium sulphate, cetearyl alcohol, glycerin, petroleum jelly, sustainable elaeis guineensis (palm) oil, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, cucumber potpourri, citrullus vulgaris (kalahari melon) oil , simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) oil, argania spinosa (argan) oil, aloe vera extract, vanilla planifolia (vanilla) oil, ascorbic acid (vitamin c), retinyl palmitate (vitamin a), tocopherol acetate (vitamin e). SETT SPF30 Reef Safe Mineral Sunscreen A study in 2015, published in the journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology also affirms that both chemicals found in most sunscreens on the market can also induce feminization in adult male fish and cause reproductive diseases and neurological behavioural changes in them. What we need to understand is that fish are more than seafood! Fish are wildlife first, and they are critical components of complex marine ecosystems and food webs! Avobenzone Similar to oxybenzone with skin irritation and rashes and is another hormone disruptor. It also becomes toxic when in chlorine leading to problems with the liver and kidneys.

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Once upon a time, mineral sunscreens were often written off due to the white ‘cast’ they would leave on the skin. But times have changed! Innovative formulas have changed the game when it comes to mineral sunscreens and there are so many to choose from. SETT is proud to meet the world’s toughest regulation across Australia and the EU, so provides you with products you can trust”. The European Commission and FDA in the US have called for limitations on using some chemicals in sunscreens. Some of the chemicals may irritate sensitive skin. In particular, Oxybenzone has been found to act like oestrogen and cause sperm production and endometriosis problems. There are also some issues with damage to the environment that I will discuss more later. Mineral sunscreen Octocrylene This chemical has been found to degrade into benzophenone and is suspected of being carcinogenic and endocrine disrupting.

Their natural sunscreen is a broad-spectrum physical sunscreen for sensitive skin. The lotion provides UVA and UVB protection with an SPF50+ rating. It helps keep skin hydrated with cacao seed butter and fatty acids. Aloe Barbadensis helps to soothe stressed skin. It is water-resistant and leaves no white residue on the skin. It is perfect for protecting targeted areas like the nose. It isn’t easy to rub in and is better left on the surface for the best protection. Despite this, it is suitable for sensitive skin and works well on delicate areas like under the eyes. As the protection is absorbed below the top layer of skin, the UV rays can penetrate the upper layer of skin, potentially causing some damage. You will need to wait about 15 minutes for the product to become effective.

The final say

This cream formula sunscreen has an SPF of 30 and has broad screen protection for UVB and UVA rays. It is made from organic ingredients and is designed to be gentle on sensitive skin. It has a tint that helps the cream blend with your skin colour and is water-resistant. Chemical sunscreens sink into the skin to work, and the chemical UV filters are what harms coral reefs and aquatic life and cause skin irritation. The countries/regions that currently have full or partial chemical sunscreen bans are Mexico, the USA (Hawaii, Key West, U.S. Virgin Islands), Bonaire, Aruba, and Palau. Why? What I find particularly awesome about James is not only does he want to be able to sleep well at night in regards of his customers' health, but he also created SETT so he could sleep well at night in regards of the environment. Being eco-conscious and having as minimal an impact on the environment as possible is the next thing! Here's a few reasons why: